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The issue shift was not the only factor behind the poor political environment for Republicans this year.

The public exhibited remarkably high, though not surprising, displeasure with the political status quo. Roughly three in four voters disapproved of the White House and Congress. Three in four voters saw the country on the wrong track, about 25 percent more than four years ago.

Only about 20 percent of exit poll respondents approved of President Bush’s job performance, where more than half did four years ago.

In one sign of Obama’s continued weakness, only about half of voters said he has the experience to serve effectively as president. Six in 10 believed McCain meets that threshold.

After the quality of change, about 30 percent of voters said they were looking for a candidate that shared their values. A fifth said they sought experience above all in their candidate.

In 2000, 15 percent of voters said experience was the top quality they sought in a candidate and eight in 10 favored Vice President Al Gore over George W. Bush.

While the economy was the preeminent issue, six in 10 voters said that future appointments to the U.S. Supreme Court appointments were important factors in their votes and two-thirds of voters expressed support for drilling for oil off the U.S. coast.

Demographically, the majority of voters were again women. As in 2004, three in four voters had more than a high school education.

It also appears that white, born-again evangelical Christians have turned out in similar portions to 2004, constituting about a quarter of voters.

Nearly half of voters said they have a gun in their household.

Also, one in 10 voters said they were voting for the first time this year and they were, as expected, more likely to be a minority or young.

As in 2004, about one in 10 voters interviewed by exit pollsters said they decided their votes in the last week.

Readers' Comments (16)

Reviewing Fox News/Rasmussen Reports data from key battleground states raises a couple red flags about the use of early exit polling data to predict a winner. Understanding this data from polling conducted last Sunday night may save some a repeat of 2004?s heartache. The bottom line is that in every state we polled--Colorado, Florida, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Virginia-- Democrats are a lot more eager to take exit polls than Republicans. In five of the six states, a majority of Democrats say they would be Very Likely to participate in the exit polling process. At the same time, in five of the six states, fewer than 40% of Republicans would be willing to do the same. In every state, Republicans are at least twice as likely as Democrats to say that they are not at all willing to take an exit poll. Unaffiliated voters tend to align more closely to Republicans in all six states in both willingness and unwillingness to participate in exit polls

We are preparing for a possible Obama win Selling all stocks, bonds , pulling all money from 401K while is isn't taxed. Selling business, already warned 1000 workers lay off are coming by tomorrow if he wins. Got a metal lock box and setting up with Europe bank to invest there and put as much funds there as possible. I have small funds but I want to save as much as possible for my family . Looking for a Meager job around 7 or 8 dollars an hour /

We are seeing a curtain close on the Corrupt Liberal Mainstream Media Machine. They have directly interfered with the election process with there terrible biased coverage of the election. They have given 1/2 of Americans the FINGER with there outright Obama support and don't care at all. Reporting only positive articles and minimized others. Another day another tape, we havn't seen anything on the coal tape and the skyrocketing electric bills from his mouth. Nothing lol!!! Grats CNN/ABC/CBS/NBC/Politico! You have nothing of any worth I'll be interested in watching anytime soon. All the Liberal papers and TV stations are failing and thank god! The top 25 poorist cities in America are under Dem leadership! The top 10 poorest states are under Dem leadership! Keep up the solid work Liberal Media

With less then twenty minutes before major polls close in three states, this election feels so much more important then anything that has come before. The economy the war in iraq gay rights nomination of the supreme court, these are all policy decisions that the next president has to make. I'm not so naive as to say that this is prehaps the most important election in our history, i didn't live during the first two great wars or Vietnam, and i wasn't able to vote during the first gulf war, but so much is at stake, so much emotion has flowed from so many communities and historical precedents have been set. So many are hoping for change! I hope whatever America chooses its the right choice.

Yep, the Rich Republicans need to do just that. Pull all support for their country and send it to other countries because their "gravy train" got derailed. All Republicans have ever cared about is themselves and their money.. They've proven that! Hey RePIGlicans, your party is OVER! Now, the middle class will have a chance and you will have to pay your fair share of taxes like everyone else and if you locate your business overseas, you'll pay dearly for it. America first for change and not the wealthy!

During the last two years, the democrat congress did nothing. The finance committee led by a democrat did nothing. This election was about an agenda driven media and out right hate of the current president. Osama won nothing. So now you freaks who put one party in power will have the creep in the mirror you see in a couple of years to yell. You can now drop the "its Bush's fault" garbage and start yelling at your own. As for the media, that God there are other non-news and talking head channels to watch.

I just listened to Obama's acceptance speech. John McCain was very gracious, although many of his supporters weren't. I doubt there is much that can be done to win you, but I am hopeful for a new day in America - a day where respect and concern for each other rules. A country admired by others around the world. Where hubris and condescension are not the rule of law from our leaders. I am overjoyed and none of your myopic diatribes can overule the new day in America.